I tend to struggle with fantasy. It's the creation of a brand new world which has rules entirely created by the writer which does it; all too often thI tend to struggle with fantasy. It's the creation of a brand new world which has rules entirely created by the writer which does it; all too often the reader is hit with a gang of people with unpronounceable names and bizarre magic powers in the first ten pages and in unable to make sense of it all. It takes a writer or rare calibre to introduce these things a pace which is not only clear, but also drives the narrative forward. Mary Woldering, thankfully, is such an author. "Voices in Crystal" is a rollocking adventure, gripping and exciting, and the portal to an exciting new world with genuinely interesting (if alien) characters and a fascinating new world! Get involved, see if the Children of Stone will survive their trip - you'll be hooked!...more
Frances Evelyn is a terrific writer. That's point one, that's the first thing you need to know here; you are in safe hands, she'll deliver. She knows hFrances Evelyn is a terrific writer. That's point one, that's the first thing you need to know here; you are in safe hands, she'll deliver. She knows how to structure a tale to keep you hooked, she knows how to create realistic and compelling characters, she know how to set a scene, but she never gets so bound up in her own cleverness as to allow the story to stagnate while she impresses you with a trip through the Thesaurus. Bibliomancer tells the story of Emily, who finds employment in a bookshop, and discovers a power within her which can alter our entire conception of life and death; a power that brings her to the attention of some very unusual men who may decide to harness that power for good ...or not so good … Frances tells this tale at a cracking pace, using her skill at interlocking disparate plot strands (flashbacks and flash-forwards are difficult devices to use well; Frances makes them look easy), her characterisation and dialogue is, I think, better than ever here (Emily is particular is wonderful, but her friend Lauren gives her a run for her money, and Dominic the bookshop proprietor is a joy), and the magisterial central conceit makes me wish I'd thought of it. I'm fairly certain there's more to come from these people. And I can't wait. Read this, and thank me later....more
Fantasy is the hardest genre to write. This, I think, is because fantasy needs very strict rules in order for it to work. Face it, a book about Tim anFantasy is the hardest genre to write. This, I think, is because fantasy needs very strict rules in order for it to work. Face it, a book about Tim and Jim in a pub doesn't require much in the way of suspension of disbelief, does it? Fantasy, however, must be structured, tamed, and believable – otherwise you're just in Anything Can Happen Land where any problem can be solved with “Hah! I have the very thing in my Magic Bag!” And who wants to read that? Wouldn't you rather read a gripping fantasy with genuine peril, structured and convincing world(s), and realistic characters? You would? Great, you're in luck. The Bargain Made – the penultimate story in the series – shows Frances Evelyn is a mistress of this genre. The return of Rose from the middle ages and her deposit into the 1950s leads us into the most captivating, engrossing, thrilling and genuinely funny (there's a great gag about complimentary food) fantasy story you'll read all year. Or in any past year. Or future year either. A great epic across times and worlds – each as convincing as the last – reintroducing old friends (Krill, the Queen, Rose, Margaret, Tracy) and some we may not invite home for Christmas (Carrick). Frances Evelyn tells this kind of story better than everybody else. Stop reading this. Read The Bargain Made. Now....more
Fantasy is the hardest genre of them all. It takes great skill to imbue such outlandish concepts as Faeries and time travel with gravitas and plausibiFantasy is the hardest genre of them all. It takes great skill to imbue such outlandish concepts as Faeries and time travel with gravitas and plausibility. Anyone with half an ounce of talent can write about a day in their house, but to create other worlds and to tell coherent tales which span multiple times takes ability of the highest order. Fortunately, Frances Evelyn has that ability. And more to spare. “The Traitor Within” takes up the story of time-travelling Rose, her grandmother Peggy, the Faerie Palace, the odious Carrick from where we left them in “The Time Before.” And, if anything, it's even more compelling than before – the introduction of a new character, George, gives Rose a wonderful focus, allowing her to become compassionate and motherly – as well as the funny and sassy heroine we've come to love. Darting between the 1780s, the 1940s and the Faerie Palace, the reader is never confused, always engrossed, and is left almost literally dangling with suspense at the ending. Stop reading this review. Read “The Traitor Within” instead. You will thank me. With money....more
David Pugh's calm, lucid prose invites us into a world which is shocking, thought-provoking, moving and compelling. Join Jeffrey and Remus as they disDavid Pugh's calm, lucid prose invites us into a world which is shocking, thought-provoking, moving and compelling. Join Jeffrey and Remus as they discover Enlightenment and realise their place in the Universe; a journey that takes them across some of the most exotic locations in the world. See what they see and experience what they experience - you'll find yourself questioning what you think you know, and perhaps finding new answers. You won't regret reading this. ...more
jennifer Shepard is a new author to me - but that's going to change. "Scottish Alliance" is a fast-paced, excellent read. Compelling and gripping, Ms Sjennifer Shepard is a new author to me - but that's going to change. "Scottish Alliance" is a fast-paced, excellent read. Compelling and gripping, Ms Shepard keeps the pages turning with consummate skill. Written with great economy and clarity - a rare talent - you always know where you are, you always know who's who, and you always want to know what's happening next. You'll rip through this. Then you'll read it again . Wholeheartedly recommended.
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Ordinarily, I'd have run a mile before reading this book. LeGuin, Shambleu, Tolkien, even Rowling ...you show me a magic world of faeries and suchlikeOrdinarily, I'd have run a mile before reading this book. LeGuin, Shambleu, Tolkien, even Rowling ...you show me a magic world of faeries and suchlike, and I leave town. Quickly. HOWEVER... I read The Time Before from cover for cover, and loved it. No spoilers, but Frances's even, calm, lucid prose gives you a magic world which appears perfectly normal, populated with characters who you understand, who you can believe in, and who you root for. This is a great read, beautifully written. No hesitation in giving it 5 stars. READ IT.
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